I received this comment from Gabby in the Philippines yesterday:
Hi Shawna! I am so thankful I stumbled upon your beautiful song today of all days. A great part of our country (the Philippines) has just been devastated by a storm and thousands of people, young and old, have perished. Homes were washed away by mud and flood waters leaving hundreds of families homeless. As they try to pick up what is left of their lives, I pray that the message of your song rings true. May all find room for Christ and all those who need us. Merry Christmas to you and your family, Shawna! Thank you for the gift of song!
I wrote back and expressed my love and prayers for the people of the Philippines, and Gabby graciously responded with this beautiful message:
Thank you so much for your kind and warm words. Our faith in humanity may just as well be as great as our faith in Jesus the Christ: after every storm we pick up the pieces and struggle to move on with a steadfast heart. Filipinos have a saying, “Bahala na ang Diyos” (loosely translated to as “God shall will it”) and that every time we are faced with trials and adversities we know that God’s purpose shall prevail. Thus, humanity prevails through His grace. We draw strength from our Faith.
I shall treasure the mp3 and the music sheet. I am most certain my mother will love the song when I play it tonight at our home before the Christmas Eve dinner (Media Noche). But more importantly, I shall cherish the friendship and hopefully, like you, I will be able to share the good news, one song at a time.
As I light a candle for all those who suffer, I offer a prayer that may they find relief from their burdens, even for just a moment, to savor God’s love through Jesus, His Son.
Thank you, Gabby, for your beautiful message — both sobering and hopeful. On this day of joy and gladness, we will say a prayer for those who suffer, and thank God for sending His Son, who binds up the wounds of all of us. May God bless the people of your country to continue to be strong,
Shawna
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